Experimental documentary filmmaker to visit Union

Experimental documentary filmmaker James T. Hong will visit campus on Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29.

Hong, who works with experimental documentary to reinterpret race, gender and class differences, will screen his films from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday in Arts 215 and again from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday. The Asian Student Union will also host a reception for the filmmaker at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Messa House. All events are open to the campus community.

While at Union, Hong will show several of his short films which deal with the historical experiences of Asian-American issues as well as international relations to explore perceptions of truth and objectivity. Hong notes: "All of us have certain thoughts about other races and other people, but we just don't say. We censor ourselves. It's a fine line between what offends people and what is interesting and thought-provoking. And my aim is never just to [anger somebody] - it's more to make people think about a particular idea in a more honest way."

Professors from several departments, including political science, English and film, have done a pre-screening to introduce Hong's work and ideas to students.

"It is a unique opportunity for an Asian American class and a Chinese Studies class to compare common themes and concepts usually hidden by geographical differences," said Meghan Ferry, associate professor of Chinese and Asian Studies.